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lifeand100books's review
3.0
The thing I like best about novellas is that they are typically quick, fun reads that don’t take up much time, but offer a lot of fun in return. When I first mused reading Most Truly by Reina M. Williams, I was intrigued as it seemed to have all of these good characteristics of a novella and was a Pride and Prejudice sequel to boot. Additionally, although this isn’t the first time I’ve read something that featured Kitty (I’ve also read Maria Grace’s Twelfth Night At Longbourn), it is always a treat to find something dedicated to the Bennet sisters who don’t steal the headlines in P&P. So, with that in mind I set aside a short block of time and dove right in!
Most Truly begins with Col. Fitzwilliam having recently returned from war, weary and happy to exchange his fellow soldiers for members of his family and friends. This is no fleeting visit though, as the Col. is in possession of a tidy sum of money for his efforts. As such he now intends to enter into a marriage and begin life anew as a civilian husband. He travels to Pemberley, where his beloved cousins Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana reside. There he finds Kitty Bennet, who surprises him completely by catching his eye. Her charms and mannerisms make him think twice about his values and his position as a gentleman and what that entails. Kitty, meanwhile, does not want to get embroiled with military men (as she did in her past), and will not risk attracting attention from her family. She has settled into a happy new life at Pemberley, and can’t risk ruining it. However, she can’t deny her feelings for Col. Fitzwilliam, and he in turn has eyes only for her, bringing him at odds with the wishes of his aunt, Lady Catherine and his parents. What will become of this tense situation? Will Kitty have her moment in the spotlight?
I liked the dynamic of Kitty attempting to improve herself, and I especially liked to see the inner turmoil that she went through during this transformation. As a relatively unbridled individual in her youth, she was carefree and fanatical about redcoats. After the Wickham debacle she sees the error of her ways and begins her quest (with Elizabeth and Georgiana’s help) to becoming a proper and poised lady worthy of marriage. In Most Truly we see the evidence of her new outlook on life. She’s graceful and worries about saying and doing the wrong things. She truly puts forth a great effort in showing Darcy and Elizabeth that she’s dedicated to not being that girl that was Lydia’s shadow. But when Col. Fitzwilliam shows up, she begins to waver inside. Will falling in love with him prove that she is still that carefree youth? It was this inner debate that Most Truly impressed me with.
On the other hand, parts of the novella could have definitely been fleshed out more, where descriptions of characters seemed to just be told to the reader instead of shown. This lack of embellishment made the work more concise, of course, but it also detracted from becoming immersed in the story. I understand that novellas are written with the intent of being short stories, as things tend to move relatively fast, but this just felt too fast. For example, Anne de Bourgh and Alfred Fitzwilliam (Col. Fitzwilliam’s youngest brother) become engaged and you’re not really sure why. You’re told that they love each other and are given one tiny morsel of a scene together and that’s it. I would have loved seeing them have a conversation with another character (or with each other) explaining how their love blossomed, or even how they had remained steadfast in their love over the years. Small things like this would have greatly enhanced my appreciation for the novel.
In the end, if you’re able to look past the rapid story development, Williams’ Most Truly is a sweet romance with Kitty at its center. For those of you who love stories starring Austen’s supporting characters, this is definitely one for you.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Review Originally Posted: http://austenprose.com/2014/04/17/most-truly-a-pride-and-prejudice-novella-by-reina-m-williams-a-review/
Most Truly begins with Col. Fitzwilliam having recently returned from war, weary and happy to exchange his fellow soldiers for members of his family and friends. This is no fleeting visit though, as the Col. is in possession of a tidy sum of money for his efforts. As such he now intends to enter into a marriage and begin life anew as a civilian husband. He travels to Pemberley, where his beloved cousins Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana reside. There he finds Kitty Bennet, who surprises him completely by catching his eye. Her charms and mannerisms make him think twice about his values and his position as a gentleman and what that entails. Kitty, meanwhile, does not want to get embroiled with military men (as she did in her past), and will not risk attracting attention from her family. She has settled into a happy new life at Pemberley, and can’t risk ruining it. However, she can’t deny her feelings for Col. Fitzwilliam, and he in turn has eyes only for her, bringing him at odds with the wishes of his aunt, Lady Catherine and his parents. What will become of this tense situation? Will Kitty have her moment in the spotlight?
I liked the dynamic of Kitty attempting to improve herself, and I especially liked to see the inner turmoil that she went through during this transformation. As a relatively unbridled individual in her youth, she was carefree and fanatical about redcoats. After the Wickham debacle she sees the error of her ways and begins her quest (with Elizabeth and Georgiana’s help) to becoming a proper and poised lady worthy of marriage. In Most Truly we see the evidence of her new outlook on life. She’s graceful and worries about saying and doing the wrong things. She truly puts forth a great effort in showing Darcy and Elizabeth that she’s dedicated to not being that girl that was Lydia’s shadow. But when Col. Fitzwilliam shows up, she begins to waver inside. Will falling in love with him prove that she is still that carefree youth? It was this inner debate that Most Truly impressed me with.
On the other hand, parts of the novella could have definitely been fleshed out more, where descriptions of characters seemed to just be told to the reader instead of shown. This lack of embellishment made the work more concise, of course, but it also detracted from becoming immersed in the story. I understand that novellas are written with the intent of being short stories, as things tend to move relatively fast, but this just felt too fast. For example, Anne de Bourgh and Alfred Fitzwilliam (Col. Fitzwilliam’s youngest brother) become engaged and you’re not really sure why. You’re told that they love each other and are given one tiny morsel of a scene together and that’s it. I would have loved seeing them have a conversation with another character (or with each other) explaining how their love blossomed, or even how they had remained steadfast in their love over the years. Small things like this would have greatly enhanced my appreciation for the novel.
In the end, if you’re able to look past the rapid story development, Williams’ Most Truly is a sweet romance with Kitty at its center. For those of you who love stories starring Austen’s supporting characters, this is definitely one for you.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Review Originally Posted: http://austenprose.com/2014/04/17/most-truly-a-pride-and-prejudice-novella-by-reina-m-williams-a-review/
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I read Georgiana's book and when I saw that Kitty's book was first I wanted to read it too.
I always liked Kitty and I wanted her to get a HEA. Sure she was a silly thing with Lydia. But without that influence she got better, and became friends with Georgiana.
And in this story she meets colonel Fitzwilliam, likes him, but does not wanna make a fool of herself or believe he would have her. Aww it was sweet, he really liked her too and there is of course a HEA.
I always liked Kitty and I wanted her to get a HEA. Sure she was a silly thing with Lydia. But without that influence she got better, and became friends with Georgiana.
And in this story she meets colonel Fitzwilliam, likes him, but does not wanna make a fool of herself or believe he would have her. Aww it was sweet, he really liked her too and there is of course a HEA.
alexlcriddle's review
5.0
A sweet, sincere Pride and Prejudice variation novella. This continuation of several beloved characters is well-written and full of charm. Kitty and Colonel Fitzwilliam are endearing protagonists. I believe fans of Pride and Prejudice will not be disappointed. Hooray for authors who are willing to explore uncharted territories and who keep some of our favorite characters alive through retellings and extensions of classic masterpieces.
elysareadsitall's review
3.0
This novella was lighthearted and quick to read. The author picked good characters to match together, and she discussed their development in interesting ways. Overall, the book was enjoyable, and I will continue with the series as it is affordable and enjoyable.
vesper1931's review
4.0
In this Pride and Prejudice sequel we have the tale of Catherine Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam while they stay at Pemberley.
More stories are needed with the minor characters of Jane Austen.
An enjoyable re-read of this tale, setting the story for the next three in the series.
More stories are needed with the minor characters of Jane Austen.
An enjoyable re-read of this tale, setting the story for the next three in the series.
kristin's review
3.0
18/7/15 - 4 stars
21/12/16 -3 stars
This is a sweet little novella that charts Kitty Bennet's life after p&p. This read better the first time around and so I've taken away a star.
21/12/16 -3 stars
This is a sweet little novella that charts Kitty Bennet's life after p&p. This read better the first time around and so I've taken away a star.
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